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Season guide

House of Cards: Season 3

13 episodes Premiered Feb 27, 2015 Updated Oct 6, 2026

President Underwood fights to secure his legacy as he navigates the challenges of the presidency. Meanwhile, Claire desires more than simply serving as First Lady. As they pursue their respective goals, the biggest threat they face is contending with each other. The series, created by Beau Willimon for Netflix, explores the political landscape and the complex dynamics of power, ambition, and betrayal within the highe

Previously on House of Cards

Season 3 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ Congressman Frank Underwood embarked on a ruthless rise to power utilizing blackmail, seduction, and ambition after being betrayed by the White House.
  • ⚡ Frank Underwood achieved the presidency, as referenced by his status as President Underwood entering the season.
  • ⚡ Claire Underwood served as First Lady, but seeks more than her current role allows.
  • ⚡ The primary internal dynamic involves Frank and Claire contending with each other as the biggest threat they face.
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Season overview

President Underwood fights to secure his legacy as he navigates the challenges of the presidency. Meanwhile, Claire desires more than simply serving as First Lady. As they pursue their respective goals, the biggest threat they face is contending with each other. The series, created by Beau Willimon for Netflix, explores the political landscape and the complex dynamics of power, ambition, and betrayal within the highest levels of government. Congressman Frank Underwood previously embarked on a ruthless rise to power utilizing blackmail, seduction, and ambition after being betrayed by the White House. The overarching narrative continues to follow the intense political maneuvers and personal conflicts that define their relentless pursuit of dominance, highlighting the shifting alliances and intense friction between the political figures.

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Season 3 Episodes

Episode Guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Season 3 Progress Shield

Future titles & synopses blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any card to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 3: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

31%
69%
Mytharc (4): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (9): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S3·E1 Mytharc

Chapter 27

Feb 27, 2015 · 59 min

A rocky start for the Underwood Presidency. Frank wants to introduce an ambitious jobs program, while Claire sets her sights on the United Nations.

S3·E2 Core

Chapter 28

Feb 27, 2015 · 55 min

Claire's U.N. bid runs into trouble. Frank fights off mutiny with a bold address to the country.

S3·E3 Core

Chapter 29

Feb 27, 2015 · 53 min

The Russian president's state visit becomes a cold war of wills, and some punks heat things up.

S3·E4 Core

Chapter 30

Feb 27, 2015 · 48 min

Claire bypasses Russia at the U.N. Frank tries to outmaneuver a potential challenger and ends up face to face with a higher power.

S3·E5 Core

Chapter 31

Feb 27, 2015 · 52 min

Frank declares war on Congress to jump-start his jobs program. Claire spars with the Russian Ambassador.

S3·E6 Core

Chapter 32

Feb 27, 2015 · 54 min

Frank and Claire travel to Moscow to negotiate the return of an imprisoned U.S. citizen. Claire takes a stand that jeopardizes their plans.

S3·E7 Core

Chapter 33

Feb 27, 2015 · 53 min

The damage is done and the Underwoods must repair it. But deep wounds don't heal fast, and sometimes not at all.

S3·E8 Core

Chapter 34

Feb 27, 2015 · 44 min

A hurricane endangers more than just the entire East Coast and Frank must make a difficult choice.

S3·E9 Core

Chapter 35

Feb 27, 2015 · 52 min

The Jordan Valley erupts in chaos as Frank's campaign is picking up steam. Claire gets distrubing intel and counsels him.

S3·E10 Mytharc

Chapter 36

Feb 27, 2015 · 57 min

Frank needs to deal with Petrov one on one while Claire tries to preserve the peace-keeping mission. Sacrifices must be made.

S3·E11 Core

Chapter 37

Feb 27, 2015 · 53 min

Things turn ugly when Frank, Jackie, and Heather square off during their first debate. Tom joins Claire on the campaign trail.

S3·E12 Mytharc

Chapter 38

Feb 27, 2015 · 50 min

Heather Dunbar goes for the jugular, forcing Claire to confront her worst fears. The rift between Frank and Claire widens.

S3·E13 Mytharc

Chapter 39

Feb 27, 2015 · 58 min

In the midst of the Iowa caucuses, Frank and Claire must confront hard truths about each other.

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